It is understandable to want a change of scenery during this unprecedented time. Now that the country is starting to open up, many people are looking to satisfy that thirst for wanderlust . Unfortunately, the pandemic has come hand in hand with financial uncertainties, making it difficult for many individuals to be willing to spend money for a short getaway.
The truth is, even if you just want to enjoy a quick weekend away, it will cost you some money to do so. Here are five ways that you can finance a weekend trip if you do not have the cash on hand right away.
Credit Card
It is no wonder that so many people turn to credit cards when looking for quick cash. Putting a trip on a credit card is an easy way to access the funds that you need to hit the road. Do not consider this option unless you are confident that you can pay the balance right away and not carry a balance forward. If you cannot pay off the trip, you will be hit with costly interest fees.
Before you put new charges on your credit card, be sure to check your rewards program to see if you have any points that you can apply to this upcoming trip. Even finding enough rewards to cover a portion of the trip can save you a significant amount of money. If you do not already use a travel rewards card, now is a great time to look into this possibility. Many credit cards even offer generous sign-up bonuses to help you to earn rewards more quickly.
Installment Loans
If you do not have a credit card at your disposal, installment loans may be a good choice. If you have the budget to pay off the trip over the next few weeks, this type of loan can provide you with the financial cushion that you need to make this trip happen right away. Some lenders will even give loans solely for the purpose of a trip. Be sure to understand all of the repayment options so that you know the terms of this loan. Additionally, compare interest rates with other companies. You don’t want to wind up paying 200% of your trip’s cost because of high-interest rates.
Ask Family or Friends for a Loan
While this may be awkward, you may be surprised at the response that you get if you ask your friends or family for a loan so that you can pay for your trip. Especially if you promise to pay back the money as soon as you are able, your loved ones may be more than happy to help you finance this time away from the rigors of life.
Pick Up a Side Hustle
If you still have a few weeks before you plan to leave, you may have time to pick up a side hustle to earn a little extra cash. Good ideas include joining a grocery shopping and delivery service or driving for a rideshare company. There are also a variety of ways that you can earn money from home. All you need is an internet connection and a computer or phone to take surveys and earn instant cash to put toward your trip.
Pick Your Destination Wisely
If you are having difficulties cobbling together enough money to pay for the trip that you want, consider changing your destination or the time of travel. With a few tweaks to your travel itinerary, you may find that you do not need to spend as much as you thought you would need. Do not be afraid to think outside of the box so that you can enjoy the vacation that you deserve.
Although you do not want to go into long-term debt just for a weekend away, it is understandable that you need to get away. This is particularly important if you have been isolating at home as a result of the global pandemic . The change of scenery will do wonders for your mental health. In that case, it may be worth exploring these creative financing options so that you can take off on a quick adventure.
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